Exercise for Mental Health

We all know regular physical activity and exercise are necessary for optimal physical health. The current physical activity guidelines recommend 150 min of moderate-intensity  aerobic exercise, along with two bouts of muscle strengthening exercises each week. Did you know that physical activity and exercise are also important for our mental health?  When we exercise, our body releases hormones and other chemicals that help with physical and mental function. 

What are the benefits of exercising?

Exercise can be a way to help heal your body (and mind by extension), improve self-esteem and self-image, get motivation (one bout can lead to the next and continue to build), increase energy levels and improve your sleep quality. There are so many more benefits from regular activity, too.   

Do I need to reach the recommended level of exercise in order to benefit from exercise? 

Recent research is finding mental health benefits from single bouts of short exercise or activity. This means when just starting, adding small bouts of increased activity mixed in with your usual routine can be very beneficial. (1)

Do I have to do a specific type of exercise? 

No. Any exercise or activity that you are able to do is beneficial.  For some, that means walking or jogging, swimming, weight lifting, yoga, pilates, high intensity interval training (HIIT), or any other number of activities/workout classes. 

What’s the best way to get started? 

Decide on a mode of exercise/movement you enjoy. Set goals (it may be beneficial to do this with a friend or group to so there is built-in accountability). Talk with your healthcare provider (including us here at KPT) to determine a strategy to get moving safely, and to troubleshoot how to get around different barriers to implementation.